The 13th edition in the Parker’s Heritage Collection will launch in September throughout the US, with a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold donated to the ALS Association. Parker’s Heritage Collection was created in memory of late Heaven Hill master distiller Parker Beam, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. The past six whiskeys in the series have raised more than US$1 million for ALS research.

Susan Wahl, group product director at Heaven Hill Distillery, said: “Parker was involved in the development of this bottling over eight years ago and will continue to leave his mark on many future bottlings. It is in tribute to Parker and his legacy that we continue to support ALS research and patient care with this series.”

Bottled at 52.5% abv, the whiskey has been aged in level five charred barrels for eight years and for a further nine months on the seventh floor of Rickhouse Y.

Heaven Hill normally matures its whiskey in level three charred barrels. Level five charred barrels differ in that they are charred for 50 seconds longer than level three.

Parker’s Heritage Heavy Char Rye Whiskey (105 proof)
Visual: Medium copper.
Nose: Exactly what you’re expecting. A spicy, char driven nose with a rye forward braggadocio. Very inviting.
Taste: The extra char adds a dusky smokiness to the already sharp rye flavor bomb. Everything is wrapped up in a compact package that becomes even more apparent when a decent splash of water tones it down to a more manageable proof. Hearty rye and a chewy cask blend together to make for a powerhouse of a whiskey.
Finish: Longer than many rye whiskies, with a woody dryness that leaves you thirsty for more.
Overall: One of the best ryes on the market. Well worth seeking out even at $150 a bottle. Reserve a bottle or two now before they sell out.
GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: Heaven Hill Distillery